Sarah Oliver
With just four years under their belt, the BallaRat Pack, run by Artistic Director Reuben Morgan, are back with a fantastical medieval musical titled ‘Broadway to Ballarat – Once Upon a Time’.
Performing at Kryal Castle, the cast of 17 will perform songs from about 20 musicals, which have been crafted by Morgan into an original score.
The backdrop of Kryal Castle was chosen to complement the fantasy themed score, and to give audiences a more immersive experience.
With a live 30 piece orchestra and a cap of 100 attendees, audience members can expect an intimate but COVID safe show.
Audiences can also expect familiar show tunes from musicals such as ‘The Little Mermaid’, ‘Wicked’, ‘Shrek the Musical’, ‘Into the Woods’, ‘Tangled’ and ‘Spamalot’.
“Cast are loving being part of the show because they’re getting to live their Disney fantasies,” Morgan said.
“This is their Disneyland training.”
After a difficult two years with the pandemic, Morgan said he’s very excited to put the show in front of a live audience.
“The fact we are rehearsing a show at all – it feels just like the first time in a way, because it’s been so long and we’re all very excited to be rehearsing for it, let alone put it on stage.
“It feels a little like a dream but looking forward to making the dream a reality.”
Morgan started the group in 2017 with diversity front of mind.
“My goal is to provide opportunities to both young and old performers, especially to perform musicals and have experiences they usually wouldn’t get.
“We aim to provide a professional atmosphere as much as possible and do older musicals that aren’t put on as much.”
Since the BallaRat Pack’s inception, Morgan said about 200 to 300 people have been involved in shows, and that a lot of people keep coming back to perform.
Morgan is excited for the future of the group, and hopes to be able to take their shows on the road across regional Victoria soon.
“People in the country love it – we’ve always had massively positive responses.
“These shows take a huge amount of time and energy but I’m hoping to do more and make it my job,” he said.
The show is running for two days on December 17 and 18, with both evening shows sold out. However there are still seats available for the matinee on December 18.
For families, the venue is offering a pass that includes access to the rest of Kryal Castle for the day.
Details: bit.ly/3plyZc8
